Red Wings' Chris Osgood announces retirement

AP File PhotoChris Osgood, 38, retires as the 10th winningest goalie in NHL history, with a career record of 401-216-66-42 (W-L-T-OTL).

DETROIT – Goaltender Chris Osgood announced his retirement today after 17 NHL seasons, including 14 with the Detroit Red Wings.

Osgood made the announcement during a media conference call with general manager Ken Holland.

Osgood, 38, retires as the 10th winningest goalie in NHL history, with a career record of 401-216-66-42 (W-L-T-OTL), a 2.49 goals-against average, .905 save percentage and 50 shutouts.

He won two Stanley Cups as a starter (1998 and 2008), three overall. He ranks eighth in league history in playoff wins, with a career postseason record of 74-49, a 2.09 GAA, .916 save percentage and 15 shutouts.

Osgood said it was an extremely difficult decision that he struggled
with, saying “one day I thought I'd come back, the next day I didn't.

“My body was telling me no, my heart was saying yes.''

He made the final decision in a three-hour meeting with Holland
Saturday in Vernon, British Columbia, where both have offseason homes.

“It was just the right time for me,'' Osgood said. "After I told Kenny, I felt relaxed. I was at peace with myself.

“It's been a very difficult last couple of months. Now I feel I can move on.''

Osgood ranks second in franchise history with 317 wins, behind Terry Sawchuk (352).

Osgood recorded his 400th win on Dec. 27 at Colorado. But his last appearance was Jan. 4 in Edmonton. He had surgery for a sports hernia on Jan. 11 and experienced a couple of setbacks in March.

Osgood said he couldn't guarantee Holland that he wouldn't get hurt again.

“I didn't want to put them in a bad situation if I got hurt again,'' Osgood said.

Osgood also admitted that had he not gotten his 400th win he would have come back.

“I definitely wouldn't have (retired),'' Osgood said. "That (400) was definitely on my radar. I was going to play until I got it, do what it took to get 400. It sounds selfish, but I wouldn't want to get stuck on 399.''

A reserved type, Osgood didn't want to be thrust into the spotlight with a big press conference.

“It (B.C.) is too far away from Detroit,'' he said. "I could've went back (for a press conference), but I don't think that would be my style.''

Holland, who was the organization's chief amateur scout when he discovered Osgood in Medicine Hat, Alberta, called it "The end of an incredible career.''

“He's been an incredible competitor with tremendous mental toughness,'' Holland said. "In order to succeed in the NHL as a goalie with the good teams we had you need mental toughness. Chris has been a tremendous teammate, with tremendous leadership skills.''

Osgood accepted a job with the organization, helping with the development of its young goalies.

Holland said he expects to sign a backup goalie by the end of the week. It is expected to be former Red Wing Ty Conklin.